'When is it?'
'Next Tuesday, about ten.'
'If I can get there,' she said diffidently.
'If you want a ride, this time you have to ask for it,' he said, staring down at her.
'I do. May I get a lift from you to your aunt's next Tuesday?' she asked sweetly, looking up at the narrowed, gleaming green eyes. He was devastatingly attractive; did he have any idea of the feelings his mere presence caused her? She moved just a little closer, smiling provocatively up to him, flirting.
'Yeah, I'll give you a ride.' He watched her as she drew near, a small glint of amusement showing.
'It's hot out here, care for some lemonade? I have some made.'
'Sounds good.'
Amanda moved to enter the cabin, conscious of Mac's closeness, of his following her inside, closing the door to the day's heat. She looked back, caught in his gaze.
Sweeping his hat off, he tossed it on to the table. Extending one arm, he stopped her move to the kitchen, turned her around to face him. Amanda remembered what he had said last night, suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach. She licked her lips, waiting for his next move.
'Mandy,' he said huskily, pulling her close, sheltering her in his embrace.
'Yes?' she whispered as he lowered his head, reaching down to cover her mouth with his. Amanda felt a sudden surge of pleasure; she reached up to encircle his neck with her arm, threading her fingers through his thick, wavy hair. It was crisp and smooth as her fingers buried themselves in it. Mac's lips were firm and warm, moving against hers.
His hands pulled her tight against him, molding her slight frame against the length of him, his mouth claiming all conscious thought from her. Slowly he moved his hand up and down her back, pulling back just a little in surprise.
'Don't you ever wear a bra?' he murmured huskily.
Amanda smiled and moved closer. 'Not when I'm relaxing alone at home.'
'But you're not alone now.'
'Nor very relaxed,' she murmured back as he claimed her mouth again, one hand slipping beneath the back of her loose-fitting shirt, his fingers warm against her soft smooth skin. As he explored her back, she shivered with delight and anticipation, a strong feeling of desire growing within her with the feather light caresses he made against her skin with his hand, his other hand holding her head firmly for his kisses.
She reveled in them, responded to his kisses, tracing his mouth with her tongue, meeting his thrust with her own, scarcely aware of anything but Mac's mouth on hers and his hands on her body.
He raised his head and glanced around. 'Why don't you have a sofa like everyone else, so we could sit down?' he growled, his voice low.
'Cushions are fine.' Amanda led him over, trailing her hands down his arms as she lowered herself to one of the large soft cushions near the wall. Mac, beside her, drew her up against him, his touch thrilling, exciting. On and on the kiss went, slowly warming Amanda, slowly awakening vague desires and longings. Mac pulled back, looking into her eyes, holding them as he slowly reached out to unbutton her shirt, his fingers brushing against her bare skin as he fumbled with the unfamiliar task.
Amanda trembled slightly, could feel her insides begin to melt when he opened her shirt, reaching again for her. His mouth claimed hers as his fingers gently traced the curves and valleys of her body. She moved to draw closer to him, but he held her off a little, his hand wandering down her breast, across to the other, back to her throat. Down again. She moved beneath his hands, caught in the sensations and longings Mac drew from her. He moved to the fastener of her jeans. She caught her breath as he eased down the zipper.
Slowly Amanda unbuttoned his checked shirt, moving then to embrace him, her bare breasts pressing warmly against his chest. Mac drew her in his arms and slowly pulled her back on top of him as he lay against the cushions.
The feel of Mac's skin beneath her lingers, his mouth evoking wonderful sensations, caused time to stand still, her head to spin. She wanted him. When he gently rubbed his knuckles down her ribs, near her breasts, she gave a sigh of pure happiness. Soon, soon she would be complete. This yearning, this desire growing within her would be assuaged. She began to tremble a little when he rolled her on her back. She wasn't afraid, just unsure exactly what to expect.
'Oh, Mandy, girl. You're so soft and pretty,' Mac whispered against her ear as his mouth feathered kisses along her cheek, to her throat, down her neck.
She smiled dreamily at his words, eager for his mouth to return to hers.
The shrill, strident ring of the telephone shattered the afternoon stillness.
'What the hell is that?' Mac growled, startled. He pulled away abruptly.
'My phone. I just got it today.' She sat up. 'I guess I should answer it.'
'Yes, I guess you should. Did you have to get the model with the loudest ring?'
Amanda smiled and lithely rose, moving quickly into the kitchen. The ring was harsh in the drowsy afternoon. Could she adjust the loudness?
'Hello?'
'Hi, Mandy, Dave here.'
'Hi.'
'Your furniture left a few days ago. Should arrive in Timber later this week. They have your address, and directions, but don't know you have a phone, so don't wander off or they might dump everything in the front yard.'
'I'll stay close. Thanks for checking for me, Dave.'
'No problem. I'll talk to you soon.'
Amanda replaced the receiver and turned, eager to rejoin Mac. He was standing in the doorway, an inscrutable expression on his face. Gone was the tender look she had seen in his eyes only moments ago. He had already re-buttoned his shirt and tucked it back into his jeans.
'Do yourself up. Someone's coming.'
Amanda's eyes widened. She quickly moved to refasten her jeans and shirt. She could hear the gravel in the driveway crunching. Who was it? John-Michael? She moved to see. Mac remained squarely in the doorway, blocking her way.
'Another time, hmm, Mandy?' he said gently, reaching down to lightly brush against her lips.
'I hope so,' she said frankly, giving a small smile against her disappointment. It had been a heady time; still the phone had been a lifesaver if she was really having another visitor now.
A soft knock.
Amanda opened the door to Elizabeth Burke.
'Good afternoon, Mandy. How are you?'
'Hi, Miss Burke, come on in. Your nephew’s here.'
'I know, I saw the truck. Hi, Mac.'
'Aunt Elizabeth. Did you worry I wouldn't pass on your invitation.?'
'Don't be silly, dear boy.'
Amanda hid a smile, darting a quick glance at the 'dear boy'. A less likely looking boy Amanda couldn't imagine.
"No, I decided to discuss part of the program for the festival with Mandy prior to the meeting.'
'That's my cue to leave, then. I'll see you Mandy. Tuesday, if not before.'
'Thank you. And ... thanks for stopping by today.'
'My pleasure.' His eyes on her mouth.
She licked her lips as he passed to leave, disappointment flooding through her. It had been wonderful; she was sorry he was leaving.
Elizabeth Burke sat primly on one of the dining chairs, nodding to her nephew as he left.
'I wanted to get this cleared up, my dear. I hope I'm not coming at an inopportune time.'
'Not at all. Would you like some lemonade?' She remembered asking Mac the same thing only a short time ago.
'Not today, thank you, Now, did your group agree to come, too, to sing in the festival?'
'Yes, they’ll arrive that morning. I think I heard you say the entertainment wouldn't start until after noon. Is that right?'
'Yes, around two. usually. That gives everyone time to eat and be finished so they can then devote full attention to the performance. After the show, there are games, then a huge barbecue and fireworks after dark. A local high school group will play music at dusk for those who want to dance. We make do for that, but always try for a more professional group or troupe
for the main feature. I do hope you will be able to handle it.'
Elizabeth frowned and added fretfully, 'I do wish Mac would come, or at least permit John-Michael to attend. They both miss such good events each year.' She shook her head. 'Well it can't be helped. Now, we need about an hour's entertainment; is that too long?'
Amanda smiled. 'No problem. We’ve played large audiences before and usually do fine. I sing country songs, did you know that?'
'Oh, my dear, that will be splendid! It's very popular in Timber. The rock music doesn't seem too much in demand these days, except for some of the teenagers. Now, if you need anything, loudspeakers, costumes, whatever, do make a list for the committee. We’ll do our best to get what you need.'
Briefly Amanda thought of their traveling bus loaded with a dozen or more costume changes and thousands of dollars worth of electrical equipment.
'We have all we need,' she replied. 'We'll just need access to a power source.'
'Of course. A large audience won't worry you?' Miss Burke looked concerned.
'No, we have played before large groups before.' Audiences larger than the entire town of Timber.
Elizabeth nodded, satisfied. 'Well, I guess that covers it. If you want to set up your equipment early, the stage should be finished by ten or so. It's portable, you know, and we erect it each year for the festival.' She rose. 'I look forward to our meeting on Tuesday. You'll have a chance to meet the others working on the festival and we’ll get an overview of the entire set of activities so we can see how the day will go.'
'I look forward to it, too. I'll see you next week.'
As Elizabeth backed her car out, Amanda again marveled at the way the entertainment was set for such an important event in the little town's social calendar. No audition, no contract, just a fond great-aunt's acceptance of a high-school boy's evaluation of a new neighbor. How did they know she really could sing? That she was any good? That she could be counted on? It certainly was a different way of handling a gig than most she experienced.
On the other hand, she never had question John-Michael on how long he'd known who she was. Maybe he'd known before suggesting her to his aunt.
Turning from the door when Miss Burke left, Amanda's eyes alighted on the cushions, now stacked neatly against the wall. How far would things have gone had the phone not rung, Elizabeth not come by? Amanda questioned if she would have drawn back or not. She hugged herself with loneliness, wishing Mac were still here. It seemed a long time until Tuesday.
***
Mac sounded the horn Tuesday morning. It was not necessary; Amanda had been watching for him for over half an hour. She opened her door even as the horn still echoed, running lightly down the shallow stairs and climbing into the truck. Her hair was again pulled back, the tinted glasses in place. Her jeans were new and still dark blue, the cotton top informal but not too casual.
'Good morning,' she said brightly. She gave him a warm smile, not letting the disappointment she had felt the last few days show. She had not seen nor spoken to Mac since he left after Elizabeth's unexpected arrival. She had waited each day, but nothing from Mac Mackenzie. He knew she had a phone, but no calls.
'Morning,' he replied, setting the truck in motion. He did not speak again and the ride continued in silence. Mac finally broke it only when Elizabeth's home came into view.
'I'll pick you up in a couple of hours. That should be enough time.'
'Fine. Thanks.' Amanda got out as soon as he had stopped the truck, slamming the door and going to the house without a backward glance. Blow hot, blow cold. What made the man tick? She was upset he continued to be so difficult to get to know. And she wanted to so much.
Elizabeth Burke had the meeting well organized. All points she wanted covered were listed out on papers she gave everyone. She was firm in keeping the discussion firmly on one point at a time. The concessions committee reported its area under control, with plenty of Cokes, beer, hot dogs, hamburgers and chips being brought in for the townsfolk who didn't want to bring their own food to the festivities. Ron Haversham was in charge of games. He reported them well in hand: horseshoe setups would be ready by ten; volley-ball nets up then as well. Softball was scheduled for after the singing event.
Amanda reported that she had a band that would be coming for the festival and would be
bringing their own equipment. She gave a list of songs she thought she’d sing, leaving several slots open to be filled that day with songs that were her special trademark. No sense, if they didn't require it, in letting them all know who she was. Time enough later. But she felt more confident now and, if the exposure came early, it wouldn't matter so much. There was mild speculation about the band but, when the crafts committee spoke, the interest faded. A large number of townspeople were bringing handicrafts to sell at the festival and booths would be set up early to catch the first arrivals.
Elizabeth distributed a list of participants, schedule of events and contact phone numbers. Everyone dutifully added Amanda's number when she informed them she now had a phone.
'The festival should be a resounding success this year, and we can all be proud of our contributions.' Elizabeth closed the meeting. 'I will be in touch with each of you as the need arises, but see no call for another joint meeting.'
Amanda looked for a clock. They had been less than the two hours Mac had estimated. Not that it mattered, she could easily wait out front, it was a pleasant day. When she left with the rest of the committee, however, she was surprised to see the gray truck parked across the road, in the shade.
Though her heart gave a leap of delight to see him, Amanda tried to school her features to remain as impassive as Mac's. With a small shock, Amanda realized she loved this bitter, disapproving man. She wanted to spend time with him, bring a little happiness to him if he would let her. To show him that another one cared for him, for his well being, and happiness. To share her time with him. With a rush of affection, she saw he was watching her cross the road, his eyes following her, his manner and actions speaking louder to her than his words ever had. She smiled as she climbed into the pick-up.
'Meeting done?' he asked, starting the engine.
'Sure is, the festival plans are in full swing now. It sounds like fun. According to Elizabeth, everyone will be there.' Amanda looked at him as he kept his eyes on the road. 'Are you and John-Michael coming? Can I have a ride?'
Mac shot her a quick look, deep lines of disapproval etched in his face.
'We don't go.'
'Why not?' Dangerous ground.
"We don't go to the festival.'
'Well, come this year. I won't always be at them, this may be my only time. You can hear me sing.'
Amanda noticed how his hands tightened on the wheel, till the knuckles were white. His jaw was clenched, his mouth tight.
She sighed and turned to look out the window. Were the memories still so painful for him? Could he not let the past go? What chance would she ever have against the errant Liza Mackenzie?
As the driveway drew near, Mac seemed to relax a little. 'Want to come up for lunch?' he asked.
Surprised, Amanda agreed.
'It is so incredibly beautiful up here,' she said when they reached Mac's place. 'There is a sense of peace and serenity you don't find in many places.'
'I know.' He looked at her a long moment, then led the way into the house.
'Come into the kitchen.' He walked through, Amanda following.
The modern kitchen was surrounded by large windows giving access to the view. The far end of the room was the dining area, with large, sliding glass doors leading to the deck.
Amanda kept silent, afraid if she said more about the view he would think she was gushing.
'Roast beef okay?'
Mac was drawing things from the refrigerator.
'Fine.' She moved to stand by him, helping a little as they made the sandwiches; he got the soft drinks.
They ate at the table, talking desultorily at first. When hunger had been s
atisfied, Amanda asked him about the town of Timber, how it came to be, how long his family had been residents. He spoke of the difficulties raising a kid on his own. She asked questions about growing up in Timber and then found herself being asked similar ones when the topic moved on to her growing up in Colorado.
They skirted some issues, Mac's marriage, Amanda's career. Yet she still felt they were communicating, were drawing closer. Or was it only wishful thinking on her part? Perhaps one day soon they could trust each other enough to discuss even the delicate issues they avoided this day.
Amanda realized they were spending the greater part of the afternoon still at the table, that Mac probably had work to attend to, but she wasn't going to bring it up and end the pleasant exchange. It wasn't often they could meet and talk without setting off sparks.
The conversation veered to her house, Amanda mentioning that her furniture had arrived and she would be painting the walls to spruce up the place some more.
'It’ll be a big job, though, so I'm putting it off a little.' She smiled.
'I remember when the rooms in this house were painted five years ago. It's a big job, but all walls need repainting sooner or later.'
'Yes, I guess. I haven't seen all of your house. May I?' Amanda asked. The living room she had seen, now the kitchen. She knew John-Michael's bedroom was off the living room, but the rest?
'Sure. This is the kitchen.' Mac rose and led the way back into the living room. Opening John-Michael's door, he stood aside so Amanda could see the room. John-Michael had posters over most of the walls: rock stars, the one of the WWE’s Raw champs, one of Evel Knievel's daring jumps. It was remarkably tidy for a teenager's room, she thought.
Back towards the kitchen Mac opened a door leading to a small hallway. Amanda preceded him, pausing at one door.
'Bathroom.' Mac opened it for her to examine. Moving down the hall he opened another door. 'Guest room.'
Across the hall from that one was another door; opening it, he let her glimpse the office. 'I have a larger office, with all the stud records and all down near the main barn; this is more for household accounts and the like.'
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